Basic Technique: The Foundation

"This is the most direct metaphor. A building with a weak foundation is unstable and limited. A musician's basic technique (embouchure, posture, breath support, fingering) is the concrete foundation upon which all future skills are built. It must be solid, level, and strong."

• • The Cornerstone: The principal, load-bearing stone that aligns the entire structure. Your first good habits are the cornerstone of your playing.
  • Load-Bearing Walls: The essential, non-negotiable elements that support everything else.